Caribbean Report 18-01-1995

Abstract

Christine Stewart, the Canadian Secretary of State for Latin America and Caribbean Affairs, stated that the Canadian government backs the idea of NAFTA membership for individual CARICOM states but expressed concerns for those left states behind. Correspondent Rosie Hayes reports on the Cuba-CARICOM Commission talks whereby Cuba has done its utmost to make the case for CARICOM investments in Cuba. The United Nations (UN), Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali stated that the UN will assume responsibility for peacekeeping in Haiti after the withdrawal of US troops. Tony Fraser reports on the High Court judgement which gave an 11 year old Muslim girl the right to wear a head covering or hijab to school. British Opposition MP Bernie Grant indicated that he is still awaiting a reply on the letter of protest he sent to the Defense Ministry. Mr. Grant had denounced plans to exclude Caribbean Heads of State from the VE Day celebrations to be held in May. The question was put to Tony Baldry, British Foreign Office Minister with responsibility for the Caribbean, whether Britain's interest in the Anglophone Caribbean was on the wane.